Had any of Dagg/Guildford/Kahui been available I have my doubts whether Cruden would've been included, as the injuries to all of those players might've forced the selectors hand to include Cruden on the bench.

Originally Posted by Hurricane

I believe that France will get up over England primarily because they have the better kicker. Discuss...

Thats a big call after France's rather woeful performance against Tonga. They've really struggled to find any form this tournament - even their victories over Japan and Canada were in doubt until late in those matches. Yachvili's certainly been kicking well though Toby Flood's playing at 12 and should Wilkinson continue to struggle with his goalkicking then I envisage Flood taking over. In saying all of that, I still think France have a reasonable chance. England have faced an old Argentina side, a very disappointing Scottish outfit and some minnows with little attacking prowess in their group, and I think they're vulnerable on defence against sides who actually have the ability to finish try scoring moves. France on their day certainly fit that bill. England's penalty count has also been terrible throughout the tournament and in a possible low-scoring match (what matches involving England are high scoring? ) that could be crucial.

Feels like you are sitting on the fence a bit but leaning towards England.

I just don't see England scoring many tries - and I see the French lifting for the affair.

Yeh I'm a bit hesistant to call a French victory the match after they lose to Tonga. I guess I'm giving the French credit based on their performances against the ABs in matches they supposedly had no chance in, although their odds are a bit better against a slightly out of sorts England side.

Looking forward to the matches tonight, tipping Wales to overcome Ireland after a series of good performances in their group matches.

I have tipped Wales to win as well. But really Ireland did beat Aussie so we should be listing them as favourites.

My reason for tipping them was their win over Samoa - although they only won by 7 points they seemed to have the game under control for the most part.

What do you think of this number 12 for Wales surely the second best 12 in the world - better than Sonny Bill for my money.

Jamie Roberts has really impressed me this tournament, such a powerful runner. I think Nonu's been superb as well. SBW offers something different to both Roberts and Nonu with his offloads and trickery, so its a bit of a difficult comparision.

Wales perhaps a bit fortunate to lead at halftime, besides their breakout which lead to Williams; try in the first 5 minutes they've hardly made progress into the Irish half. Ireland on the other hand, admittedly with the wind, have certainly looked the more dominant side on attack although seem to suffering with the problem of a number of the NH sides whereby they create territorial pressure but can't score from it.